Don's PV Scooter
-- Plan Modification/Improvement

I had to make a
modification/improvement to scooter. The Loctite used on the threads on the
right side of the scooter tend to come loose with the weight of the panels
pulling in the "unwind" direction when hitting bumps. I think the cold winter
causes the Loctite to become weak. There is no problem with the left side since
the weight is in the direction of tightening the pipes.

To stop the pipes from unwinding I drilled a 9/64th hole through the 3/4 inch
elbow as shown in the photo. I just eyeballed the hole and the hole went
through straight. I first tried to use a roll pin through the hole, but the pin
bent. I then decided to use stainless steel, self tapping screws, #10 size.
These needed to be backed out and drilled forward several times to self drill
the hole as the #10 size is close the the 9/64th size and with the thick metal
does not drill through directly.

The first photo shows the drill creating the pilot holes. The second photo
shows the top stainless steel screw going inside. There is an identical screw
in the bottom hole on the opposite side. I drilled holes into the pipe on the
left side of the scooter as well so that both sides look the same.